TLDR
- UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison withdrew from UFC 324 on Jan. 24 after undergoing neck surgery
- Harrison posted an emotional video apology to Amanda Nunes for the fight postponement
- The Harrison vs. Nunes matchup was considered one of the most anticipated women’s MMA fights in history
- UFC 324 will now be headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title
- The event marks UFC’s debut on Paramount+, ending the traditional pay-per-view model
Sources: Bleacher Report | Sherdog | Cageside Press
UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison visibly held back tears in a video update as she announced her withdrawal from UFC 324. The champion underwent neck surgery that forced her out of the highly anticipated title defense against Amanda Nunes scheduled for Jan. 24.
In the emotional video, Harrison apologized directly to Nunes for the fight postponement. Damon Martin of MMA Fighting first reported the details of the withdrawal.
The matchup between Harrison and Nunes was expected to be one of the biggest women’s fights in MMA history. Both fighters are Olympic-level athletes with Harrison holding two Olympic gold medals in judo.
Championship Fight Delayed
Harrison last fought in June when she defeated Julianna Pena to capture the UFC bantamweight title. Nunes announced her return from retirement that same night, specifically to challenge the two-time Olympic champion.
Nunes retired from MMA in 2023 after a legendary career spanning multiple weight classes. She is widely considered the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time and remains the only female fighter to hold two UFC belts at the same time.
The two fighters trained together at American Top Team in Florida, though they never developed a close relationship. Their familiarity with each other’s fighting styles added extra intrigue to the scheduled matchup.
UFC officials expect to reschedule the fight for later in 2026. No specific date has been announced yet.
The updated main card for #UFC324 following the postponement of Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes. ⬇️
Ratings out of 10? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/lWGA5TrSVP
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) January 15, 2026
UFC 324 Card Reshuffled
With Harrison and Nunes removed from the card, Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship now headlines UFC 324. Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong moves into the co-main event spot.
The remaining main card includes Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis and Jean Silva vs. Arnold Allen. UFC officials have not announced if they will elevate any preliminary fights to the main card.
Two former champions compete on the preliminary card. Rose Namajunas faces Natalia Silva in a flyweight bout, while Deiveson Figueiredo takes on Umar Nurmagomedov at bantamweight.
UFC 324 marks a historic moment for the organization beyond the fights themselves. The event represents the company’s first numbered pay-per-view under a new partnership with Paramount+.
The streaming deal officially ends UFC’s traditional pay-per-view model. Subscribers to Paramount+ will be able to watch all 13 numbered UFC events in 2026 at no additional cost beyond their regular subscription.
Harrison and Nunes brought major star power to what was meant to be UFC’s debut event on the new platform. The loss of the fight represents a setback for the historic streaming launch.
The postponement means fans will wait at least several more months to see the two champions finally meet in the Octagon. Harrison has not provided a timeline for her recovery from neck surgery.
